Irish writer Emma Hannigan has died after an 11-year battle with cancer at the age of 45.
The author was diagnosed with cancer for the first time in 2007. She had fought the disease ten times since then before passing away on Saturday, March 3.
Breast Cancer Ireland announced the news on Saturday afternoon, writing on Facebook and Twitter: "Breast Cancer Ireland wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. May she rest in peace."
BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/tlKKR5w2hX
— BreastCancerIreland (@BreastCancerIre) March 3, 2018
The author revealed in mid-February that her long-term battle with breast cancer had become terminal.
She wrote in a blog post: "The conversation I never wanted to have has been said.
"My medical team have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at this fight but all avenues have now been exhausted.
"To say that I’m heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover it".
All good things must come to an end... https://t.co/zcpLRyp9nG
— Emma Hannigan Author (@MsEmmaHannigan) February 16, 2018
After the blog post was published, a campaign was launched on social media to get her new new book, Letters to my Daughters, to number one in the Irish book charts.
The book has since soared to number one in the charts, with booksellers Dubray Books announcing that they are donating the profits from the book to the Irish Cancer Society.
The mother-of-two also started a fundraising campaign to raise money for Breast Cancer Ireland which has raised over €100,000 so far.
She tweeted after the fundraising target had been reached. "It's never too late to dream big, keep dreaming.
"Thank you so much, please keep those donations coming in and don't stop until we reach the top."
Our €100,000 goal has been reached.
— Emma Hannigan Author (@MsEmmaHannigan) February 28, 2018
its never 2 late 2 dream big, keep dreaming
Thank you so much, please keep those donations coming in and don't stop until we reach the top#HelpEmmaHelpOthers
She is survived by her husband Cian and children Sacha and Kim.
People have paid tribute to the writer on Twitter saying she was "extraordinary", a "beautiful person" and "an inspiration to so many women".
The news we never wanted to hear. Even in her last days, @MsEmmaHannigan was still blazing a trail. Her book reached number one and she raised over 100k for @BreastCancerIre . Just extraordinary. Love and thoughts with Cian, Sacha and Kim. We miss her light already. XX https://t.co/NyYAdRcXkV
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) March 3, 2018
RIP Emma Hannigan your wonderful legacy will live on Thoughts & Prayers with your family today 💕💔
— Carol Curley (@Ccurley0Carol) March 3, 2018
Sadly hearing reports that the highly talented and inspirational author, Emma Hannigan, passed away last night. RIP 💜
— Siobhán Dunphy (@DunphySiobhan) March 3, 2018
RIP Emma Hannigan, she was a brave woman, condolences to her family and friends.
— Arlene Hunt (@arlenehunt) March 3, 2018
So sad to hear this... #emmahannigan rest in peace... sincere sympathies to her family and friends...such an inspiration
— ∞✨Claire✨∞ (@clairemsb) March 3, 2018
Very sad to read about Emma Hannigan. RIP, fitting she went out with the Number 1 book in the country. Condolences to her family
— Wayne Power (@PowerWayne) March 3, 2018
I was thinking about her just yesterday wondering how she was. 💔 Rest in peace Emma Hannigan 😢Lx
— ❄Laura❄ (@xLaura30x) March 3, 2018
Ah Emma Hannigan bless you. RIP. An extraordinary lady.
— Pups (@GlendaPups) March 3, 2018
Emma Hannigan was beautiful person and wonderful author. May she Rest In Peace.
— Lorna Weightman (@styleisleIRL) March 3, 2018
RIP Emma Hannigan, such an amazing lady and brilliant writer
— Emma (@Sunshine_Emma) March 3, 2018
Such sad news about Emma Hannigan. What an amazing person, she achieved so much right to the end. #HelpEmmaHelpOthers #breastcancerawareness https://t.co/GeETo1k5SB
— Dr. Frances Harkin (@Frank11Guinness) March 3, 2018
Just heard the sad news that the brave and beautiful Emma Hannigan has passed away.
— Caroline Hofman (@CearuilinH) March 3, 2018
An inspiration to so many women, she fought a long, hard battle and was such a strong person throughout it all.
RIP x
RIP Emma 💔 RT @BreastCancerIre: BCI wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of our dear friend Emma Hannigan who lost her battle with cancer earlier today. RIP pic.twitter.com/epTzwRa7Td
— Rosanna Davison (@rosanna_davison) March 3, 2018
